USA > Maine > Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an account of the principal local events in eastern Maine during the war.. > Part 11
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again continued on the 7th, the regiment overtaking the enemy strongly entrenched at Farmville, on the morning of the following day, the whole of which was spent in skirmishing and manœuver- ing without loss or material advantage. On the 9th, having again fallen upon the rear of the rebel line near Appomattox Court House, our skirmishers were hardly engaged, when a flag of truce was brought in with the proposition of Gen. Lee to surrender, the terms of which were concluded at three o'clock P. M., and a formal announcement was made that the Army of Northern Virginia had lain down their arms.
The march towards Burksville Junction was commenced on the morning of the 11th, they arriving at that point on the evening of the 18th, and there remaining encamped until the 9th of May, when the regiment took up the line of march for Washington, arriving at Bailey's X Roads on the 16th. The First Maine Heavy Artillery participated in the Grand Review at Washington.
On the 27th of June, the regiment was transferred to the Department of Washington, and occupied the line of forts from Fort Washington on the Potomac, to Fort Mahon on the Anticos- ti, on the eastern branch, a distance of about fifteen miles. The regiment remained there, doing garrison duty until the 11th of September, when it was mustered out of service. Leaving Washington for Maine on the evening of the 12th of September, Bangor was reached on the 17th, where, on the 20th of the same month, the members of the First Maine Heavy Artillery were finally paid and discharged.
An account of the reception of the regiment on its return to Bangor, will be found in another part of this book.
CHARGE OF THE FIRST HEAVY ARTILLERY.
It has always been a disputed question as to who ordered the charge of the First Maine Heavy Artillery, on the 18th of June,
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1864, when so many men from Bangor and vicinity lost their lives -there being left unhurt but 268 men out of the 900 who went into the fight. Following is a letter from Major-General Robert McAllister, which fully explains the matter, and fixes the respon- sibility of the order that sent so many brave men to their deaths. The letter was written to Major Low, of Bangor, and we append a copy:
ALLENTOWN, PENN., Jan. 14, 1871. "Major FRED C. LOW :-
"Dear Sir :- In all my army experience no scene of carnage and suffering is so impressed on my mind as that fatal charge made by your regiment on the 18th of June, 1864. The history of that charge, as well as the one preceding it, is very familiar to me; I took part in the first.
"I was in command, temporarily, of the Second Brigade of our division for a few days. The commander of that brigade having been wounded while advancing on the enemy on the evening of the 16th, I was ordered by Gen. Birney to take command of it. On the morning of the 18th we moved forward on the enemy's works-carried the first line without much difficulty, as the enemy were about leaving this line for the stronger one in the rear of it. Arriving in front of that, we found it manned by a strong force of artillery and infantry. After delaying a little I was ordered to ad- vance on the enemy's works. We went forward. They poured on my brigade a terrific storm of shot, shell and musketry, and my men fell like forest leaves under a hail storm.
"Seeing the utter impossibility of advancing further, we dropped down, planted our standard along the line and kept up the fire. I sent a report back to division headquarters, and asked what I was to do. Orders came to retire from my position. In doing this I lost heavily. On reporting to Gen. Mott for orders I was
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ordered to place my brigade on the reserve ready for action. I asked. "Where is my old brigade?" Gen. Mott replied, "Just going in where you come out." I exclaimed, "God help them" He asked, "Why?" I answered, "They cannot advance on those works-they cannot live-the enfilade fire will cut them down." Just as I said this, an aid from headquarters rode up, and said to the General. "Order the advance at once." It was done.
"The brigade moved off-your fine regiment handsomely in the front. You went gallantly, not to meet success. That was imjwwsible-you were a forlorn hope. In a few minutes, out of your regiment which advanced 900 strong, 632 lay low on the battlefield. Darkness soon overspread the field, and I was very anxious that my wounded men who had fallen in the previous charge, and lay between the enemy's line and ours, should be brought off, as well as those belonging to your brigade and regi- ment, some of whom had advanced still farther than mine. Ex- pressing this anxiety, some of my command volunteered the haz- ardous undertaking ; and that it might be done as quietly as pos- sible, I sent only a few, with orders to move very quietly lest the enemy should discover them. With these orders, they went. It was necessary to go very close to the enemy's line, which they did. The enemy detected them-opened fire, and the opportunity was lost.
"All that night we could distinctly hear the groans of the wounded and their cries for help; but no succor could be sent them, on account of the constant fire. My brigade worked the whole night long to push our works forward, so that we might res- cur them. That terrible' night at last broke into another day, (the 19th); the battle continued with increased fury ; the sun pour- . ed down on the dying and wounded, and amid the rattling of misketry and roaring cannon, we heard the eries of our com- rades for "water !" "water!"
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" When the long terrible day was over, and night again threw her dark mantle over the contending forces, and the fire slackened, I pushed my Brigade forward and built new breastworks, the line of which ran through where your men lay the thickest, and most of your dead and wounded, as well as mine, were brought off. . That line was never pushed further, but remained as our advanced outpost until the end of that great and terrible struggle before Petersburg.
" Whether history will do you justice or not, permit me to say that no language can be too strong in its praise of your gallant regiment in that splendid, noble, heroic charge-when almost three-fourths of your number fell-fighting for their country ; this, then, my dear Major, is why I regard the First Maine Heavy Artillery as a good regiment."
I am yours very truly,
ROBERT MCALLISTER, Late Brevet Maj. Gen. U. S. A. Vols.
CHAPTER XVII.
Northern Politics-The Three Parties In Maine-Union Republicans, War Dem- ocrats And Breckenridge Democrats-The Last Also Called Copperheads- What They Did In 1861-A Thrilling Appeal For Volunteers-Politics In 1862-Eastern Maine "Locals."-Thousands Of Deserters North-McCiellan's Address To The Press-Gloom And Despair Everywhere-Close Of The Year.
In 1862, as in the year previous, polities ran high in this State. A bitter feeling had existed since war commenced, which was
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heightened by the destruction of " The Democrat," and much hard talk and many personal encounters took place. Three parties were in the field in 1861, one headed by Israel Washburn, Jr., known as "Union Republicans," another having Col. Jameson for a standard bearer, and known as " War Democrats," and a third, led by Mr. Dana, termed "Breckenridge Denocrats, or "Copperheads." Two editorials from the Whig and Courier will serve to show how each stood.
"EVERY REPUBLICAN TO THE POLLS."
Let every Republican throw his vote this day for Washburn and the Union. to sustain the administration and vindicate the Repub- lican principles which he has professed. Let no personal disappoint- ment or private prejudice induce any Republican to throw his vote against the Republican candidate. Every vote thus thrown will be a reproach against his own party, and virtually an admission that the Republican doctrines were wrong. Those who vote for Jameson vote for the Union, and are loyal men to the Government. Those who vote for Washburn vote for the Union, and for the constitutional principles of freedom upon which the Republican Administration was placed in power."
"LET EVERY MAN BE MARKED,"
"Who votes for a SECESSION CANIDATE. Register the names of the men, who by voting for John W. Dana, declare the defence of the Union to be an 'unholy war.' Let us know who are the disloyal men. Let us know who are the men who are willing to destroy the Government for the sake of breaking down a Republi- can Administration."
The election resulted in a Republican victory, the city vote being : Washburn, one thousand three hundred and twenty-six; Jameson, six hundred and twenty-nine ; Dana, thirty-one.
These thirtyone voters became from that time marked men, and
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in some instances were roughly treated and. in some cases being obliged to flee from the city to save their lives.
On one occasion some of them undertook to hold a convention in a private office. On learning the fact certain citizens brought out a hand engine, laid the hose, attached the pipe and manned the brakes, preparatory to throwing water into the window, when a motion to " adjourn " was carried unanimously, and the premises were evacuated. Another party put upon a piece of paper the names of several voters supposed to be disloyal, posting the same at one of the voting places. It is said also that a noose was here suspended, with a request that such of those whose names appeared upon the paper, who came to vote, be hanged. The paper is still preserved in this city, and it does not appear that any one was deterred from voting, on account of it or the hangman's circle.
At a Democratic county convention, August 30th '61, Mr. Wilson, of Orono, said: "So help me God, I will never support a man nominated on the Breckenridge Platform." " Why " said he, "they at their convention actually hissed the National Flag, and if I could have got hold of the man who did it, I would have dragged him out of the convention.
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Mr .. Geo. P. Sewall of Oldtown said, " We go for peace, but it is peace obtained by crushing out the Rebellion. I shall never con- sent to laying down our arms at the command of the rebels." " Whoever goes for Dana goes for aiding and comforting the enemy. Will you lay down and permit them to subjugate you? (loud cries of " no' never.") If we submit to a dishonored peace, we are all ruined and anarchy will surely come. I am glad that the Republican party has sustained us as well as they have in this war, and they have done well." (Loud applause).
Another call for short service men was made in '62, which brought out the following thrilling appeal :
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AUGUSTA, MAY 26th, 1862.
" Another crisis is upon us, and the loyal States are again, and for the third time, called upon to save the capital of the nation from the beleaguering hosts of rebels that now threaten to lay waste and destroy the very seat of our National Government.
In answer to a request from the Secretary of War, to forward immediately the volunteers and militia of this state for the defence of Washington, and there being no organization of the militia, the Governor has determined, with the consent of the War Depart- ment, to raise three months volunteers for this emergency, and it is desirable that men enough to form several regiments, should at once organize themselves into companies, and report for duty as speedily as possible. All companies of able bodied men that may . be raised under this call, including exempts, will be accepted if they report immediately.
Three regiments, at least, will be raised under this call. One will rendezvous at Bangor, one at Augusta, and one at Portland.
George W. Ricker will be the Colonel of the Augusta regiment.
Capt. David Bugbee, of Bangor, has been tendered the position of Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment to be raised at Bangor. Now is the time for the loyal, liberty loving men of the Dirigo State to show their faith by their works, and by their prompt response to the call of the President, manifest their willingness to do something that shall help to crush out this accursed rebellion. The sword that has hung so long must soon fall; the blow that has been impending must soon be struck, bringing liberty to toil ing millions, a speedy end to the rebellion, and justice to the infer- nal traitors, who have brought all this trouble upon us."
Local companies continued to form in the surrounding towns. Company B, of Lincoln, elected HI. G. Colburn as Captain, and M. B. Pinkham, A. J. Bodwell, H. I. Piper and Jonas Colburn as
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. Lieutenants. Dexter had two companies, with Geo. Hamilton and John B. Maxfield as captains, and B. F. Roberts. Daniel Plummer. Asa Moore, Sanford Oaks, E. B. Fifield, G. J. Shaw, H. S. Dole, John M. Hill, as Lieutenants. Ellsworth about this time sent in a bouncing company for the army, of one hundred and fifteen men, being one of two companies to come from Hancock county. The officers knew how to shoot, or ought to have known how to do so, for they had for some time been engaged in teaching the young. The captain was Z. A. Smith, formerly a teacher in the Ellsworth High School, First Lieutenant, W, T. Parker, once principal Boys High School, Bangor, while Geo. W. Grant was Second Lieuten- ant.
In May, Col. Rich, of the Ninth Regiment, was discharged from arrest.
Republican Convention nominated Abner Coburn for Governor, he having exactly enough votes, 330 out of 618.
Peoples State Convention, City Hall. Bangor, nominated C. D. Jameson, he having 166 out of 272.
Democratic State Convention, Portland, nominated Bion Brad- bury, of Eastport, 278 out of 414 votes.
There were four so-called "Secesh" papers-Machias Union, North Anson Advocate, Eastern Argus and Maine Democrat. Four supported Jameson ; the Augusta Age, Republican Journal, Bangor Times and Rockland Democrat.
Mattawamkeag raised a home company, with Thomas M. Black- more, Captain ; Lewis F. Stratton. First Lieutenant; F. P. Bab- cock, Second Lieutenant ; Hannibal Thompson, Third Lieutenant, and D. W. Libby, Fourth Lieutenant.
In July Gen. Mcclellan caused the following to be issued to the daily press :
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HARRISON'S LANDING, July 10th, 1862.
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"The shameful desertion of officers and men from the ranks of their regiments, which has been going on since the battle of Williamsburg, and which has more than decimated the army within the last fortnight, should receive notice at the hands of the press. The press can do no better service to the military interest of the Government of the Nation than in exposing men absent under pretence of sickness. Robust or slightly wounded men and officers are parading the streets of cities, or loitering at home, who are absent without leave, and who are needed here. Make it detestable for any man able to do duty, to be away from the army. Hold him up to public view. Let him be shamed to his duty. In the recent battles and movements, hordes of stragglers rushed to the hospital boats, and escaped from the army, while thousands who could not get on the boats, were only compelled to return to the ranks by provost guards and by hunger. Make a . residence at home disgraceful to the deserters. The loyal police should arrest every man improperly absent from his regiment. The press can ascertain how far what is here said is true, by look- ing around and seeing the numbers of officers and men, who are in every street in every city, in every lane in every town and vil- lage of the North. If every officer and soldier fit for duty would emerge from his hiding-place and come to his regiment, the army would be strengthened, and the cause for which we struggle ma- terially served."
The election resulted in a victory for the Republican party. Coburn having 44,870; Confederate Bradbury Democrats, as they were called. casting 32.371, while Jameson, the Union Demceratic got 7.175. It will be seen that the Peace party was growing, almost one half the voters being against Coburn.
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In September, too, the press began to cry out against Mc- Clellan. Maryland was invaded, and as the year drew to a close the clouds began to lower around the Union horizon, and gloomy forbodings possessed the souls of the faithful. The Jeffersonian put it as follows :
THE SITUATION.
"We have no heart to comment on the situation of affairs to-day. It thunders all around the sky. Another dreadful battle on the famous Bull Run ground has been fought, our loss being 8,000. The thunders of the cannon were heard by two hundred thousand federal troops. The enemy are reported near Chain Bridge. Kentucky is almost within the grasp of the Confederates, and doubt and despair reign in the hearts of the loyal people of other border States. To add to the gloom, the Indians of the Northwest, instigated by rebel agents, are rising and murdering white settlers by thousands, within thirty miles of Minneapolis, St. Anthony and St. Paul."
Bueksport Company choose J. C. Moses, Captain ; T. W. Haw- ley, A. White, R. P. Patterson and S. West, as Lieutenants. .
The Proclamation of Freedom was issued on the 22d, to take effect the following January.
The Army of the Potomac was placed under command of Gen. Burnside, who was repulsed at Fredericksburg.
The year closed with no bright rays of the sunshine of victory, which had been promised in the spring, and the army went into winter quarters, while the loyal people at home anxiously awaited the events of the new year, which were of great interest.
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CHAPTER XVIII.
In 1863-Return Of The Second Maine-The Military Escort-The Speakers At Norombega-Vice-President Hamlin's Second Address To Them-Local Events.
The winter passed away about as did the previous one, many coming home on leave of absence, while such of our citizens as could do so, visited the army, always bearers of good things and letters and words of cheer. On Thursday, May 21st, the grand Second Maine, not now the dashing. gay, well clothed, well fed and light hearted body that had gone forth two years previous, but a war worn, battle scarred, haggard and ragged handful of men, left for home, arriving here May 26th. Notice had been given that they were due about that time, and a committee of the city coun- cil was appointed to take measures that the reception should be fitting, and on that committee were Aldermen Hatch, Strickland and O'Donohue, and Councilmen Dunning, Weed, Williams, Clark and Trickey. 6
The regiment left Alexandria in the steamer Expounder, Capt. Chas. Deering, an old Penobscot River steamboat captain, in com- mand, on Thursday, May 21st, and without accident arrived at Newport, R. I., Sunday, where they took in coal. They left New- port Sunday night, for Bangor, experiencing some little uncom- fortable weather, and at about four o'clock Tuesday morning, . reached Bucksport, where they were met by Messrs. Strickland and Hatch, of the committee of reception, and by Col. Roberts, their old commander, who had in charge the old flags of the regiment. These flags, after having been borne defiantly, by this noble band of men, through cleven bloody battles, and which had
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been rent by traitorous shot and shell, torn and tattered by the fierce attacks, had been replaced by new ones, and were now left as silent mementoes of those bloody and terrible conflicts.
At ten o'clock, the booming cannon announced their arrival, and the crowd rushed pell-mell for the steamboat wharf, in a manner likely to terrify nervous people. Never had so much excitement been seen in Bangor. The police were powerless, and the strong fence at the steamboat wharf, needed the extra prop- ping of several strong men to prevent its downfall, and to keep the multitude from rushing to embrace fathers, sons and brothers. Three ladies embraced one soldier at the same time, and nearly smothered the browned and happy veteran by their kisses and other demonstrations of joy. The wife of another soldier, seized his arm, and did not relinquish her grasp until he entered Norom- bega Hall.
The regiment was received on Front street, by an appointed escort, which was under the direction of Gen. J. H. Butler, and Col. James Dunning, and Major Thomas Hersey of his staff, and was formed as follows :
"A" Company Cavalry, Capt. Mansill; Bangor Drum Corps ; Ban- gor Cornet Band, A. D. Harlow, Leader; Company A, State Guard, Capt. L. J. Morse; Company B, State Guard, Capt. D. Bugbee ; Union Hose Company, Capt. Geo. A. Styles; Charleston Brass Band; Eagle Engine Company, No. Three, Capt. G. H. Chick ; Tiger Engine Company, No. Six, Capt. W. H. H. Pitcher; Hook and Ladder Company, No. One, Capt. W. W. Taylor; St. Johns Commandery, Knights Templar, under command of Past M. E., Wm. II. Mills.
Following this escort came the " gallant Second."
A feature of the procession was the company of discharged sold- iers of the regiment, who were placed in the rear of the Second,
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under command of Captains Emerson, Wilson and Bartlett. Some of these were mintis arms, others were limping along with the aid of canes, fearfully telling the story of their trials and sufferings. Among the noticeable men in the procession were, Adjt. Gen. Hodsdon. and Col. Osgood of Gov. Coburn's Staff, and Col. Rob- erts, who rode with his former associate, Col. Varney. The regi- ment was received in military form and escorted to Broadway, where an immense throng had assembled, nearly filling the square. The processsion marched through Main. State and French streets, and all along the line, stores were closed and buildings hung gay with bunting. The most prominent decorations were from Wheel- wright & Clark's block, which was completely covered with flags, one in particular having the names of the battles of the Second painted on it. After the military had taken position at the square, Alderman Hatch, Chairman of the Committee, presented Mayor Dale to Col. Varney and the regiment.
Mavor Dale then welcomed them in a very neat and appropriate speech, after which, Col. Varney briefly responded, thanking Mayor Dale and the citizens for their uniform kindness and atten- tion to the regimeut, and also for their generous and hearty wel- come. A little daughter of J. S. Wheelwright, Esq., then advanced and presented Col. Varney with an elegant bouquet, which he gracefully received in behalf of his regiment. At the close, enthus- iastie and deafening cheers were given for Col. Varney, the officers of the Second, and also for the regiment. The boys responded with three times three and a tiger, for Mayor Dale, the citizens and the ladies. The procession then marched to Norombega Hall, where a bounteous collation had been prepared. A blessing was asked by Rev. Mr. Gilman, after which the Second and the invited guests paid attention to unloading the tables, made heavy by the generous hand of " Murray." This portion of the programine being
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disposed of, Mayor Dale introduced Adj. Gen. Hodsdon, who was received with enthusiasm, and responded as follows :
"Col. Varney:
"It has become my high privilege, as well as my exalted duty, in the absence of Governor Coburn, (who would gladly have been present on this interesting and momentous occasion, had it been in his power), as Chief of Staff, to tender to you, and to your brave companions in arms, the welcomes, the thanks and the pro- found homage of the State, for the enduring honor you have con- ferred upon it, through all the numerous and varied scenes of peril and responsibility, which you have been called upon to pass.
Unreservedly, our hearts go out to you, and each of you, with love and gratitude for the toils and dangers you have braved and endured in the cause of your country.
The first regiment in the field from Maine. you are second to none in the annals of history, in your record of gallant heroism and faithfulness during every hour of your period of service.
With our laurels for your valiant living, and our tears for your glorious dead, the name and deeds of the Second Regiment of Maine Volunteers, will be enshrined among the most cherished and honored memories of patrotic heroism, held sacred by the State, and be linked with "Stone Bridge, Yorktown, Yorktown Siege, Hanover Court House, Gaine's Mills, the Seven Days Bat- tles upon the Chickahominy, Malvern Hill, Ball Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. through all coming time."
A beautiful tribute to the Second Maine, written by a lady of Bangor, was then sung by a choir.
Ex-Governor Washburn was called upon, and his appear- anco was loudly cheered. He made quite extended remarks, thanking the regiment and applauding its valor and heroism. . In conclusion he said :
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